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Let’s talk turkey By Sharon Johnson Nov 06, 2022 12:30 PM A A Count on me to prepare you for the Thanksgiving holiday. Be advised, it’s coming three weeks after the midterm elections, which means there will no longer be all those irritating political ads on television. If your candidate won, you will be understandably thankful. If your candidate doesn’t win, there are always mashed potatoes with lots of butter — and pumpkin pie with real whipped cream. And future-year elections. This year, I decided to help you launch your preparations early by sharing Thanksgiving reminders. This list started the first year my daughter hosted Thanksgiving for the entire family. I call it: Thanksgiving Turkey Preparation aka “You Got This!” Early morning: How early depends on when you want to eat the turkey. Do the math. It’s 20 minutes per pound. You will need music. I suggest your Alexa device play John Fogarty’s “Put Me in Coach” or “Stretchy Pants” by Carrie Underwood. Wash your hands, lather well and rinse twice. Keep the music going. Are you wearing an apron? Take the turkey out of the fridge. If it’s still frozen, call me. Or call the Turkey Hotline: 1-800-Butterball. When they answer they usually say: “Let’s talk turkey!” Comforting. Unwrap the bird. Take out the package inside that contains the turkey entrails (neck, liver etc.). You might want to put a sticky note on the counter to be sure you remember that. Have you named your turkey? I always name my turkeys. Anything but Tom. Place the naked turkey in a clean plastic bin in the sink. Wash your hands again. If you have not already done so, find the latex gloves I sent; put them on. Do not wash the turkey; doing that creates a bacterial environment that is not in the best interests of the family’s health. Instead, pat inside cavities using a paper towel. I sent coupons for paper towels — did you get them? Position the roasting pan on the counter next to sink; spray pan with olive oil; make sure to use a raised metal liner on the bottom (the one Grandma Dee used was in the package with the coupons). Move turkey, breast side up, lifting it out of the sink into the roasting pan. If you are not sure which side is the turkey’s breast, you might want to Google a photo; but I suspect it will be obvious. Just envision the turkey in a standing position. The simplest approach at this point is to put an apple (washed) inside each cavity and pull skin flap over the cavities, tucking in the legs. Brush turkey all over with olive oil/butter mixture; sprinkle with dried poultry seasoning Place the oven-safe thermometer I sent (same package) in the thickest part of the thigh next to the body, but not touching any bone. Ensure the oven rack is in its lowest position. You have already preheated the oven to 325 degrees. Right? Place roasting pan containing your turkey in the oven. Baste occasionally with broth. The thermometer needs to reach 160 to 170 degrees to ensure it’s done. The turkey-roasting aroma will be worth the wait. But then, you know that from years past. Sharon Johnson is a retired educator. Reach her at [email protected]